The Mercedes GLB Electric represents a big step forward for the brand in its segment, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Background

Mercedes doesn't always get it right first time, but when it doesn't, the company's second stab at any given concept is often a winner. Which might be the case with this car, a full EV, the GLB Electric. We're now into the second generation of GLB design, with this MK2 version announced at the end of 2025. There was an all-electric variant of the first generation GLB too - christened the EQB, offering seven seats and launched in 2021 - but to be frank, it wasn't very good. Driving range was limited, the looks were anonymous and charging speeds were slow. Forget about that now though because this all-electric version of the second generation GLB is a very different proposition - as we're about to find out.

Engines and Tech Spec

This second generation GLB is mechanically based on the MK3 CLA, so can offer either full-electric or full-Hybrid power, both powertrains new to a Mercedes model bandaged 'GLB'. The mainstream electric version (whose official name is the 'GLB with EQ Technology') is the 250+. This has a 268bhp rear-mounted motor with 335Nm of torque and is paired (unusually for an EV of this size) to a two-speed transmission (for punchier low speed acceleration). That motor is energised by an 85kWh battery offering up to 393 miles of range. There's also a dual motor electric GLB, the 350 4MATIC, which adds an additional e-motor on the front axle for AWD. This offers 515Nm of torque and improves the 0-62mph time from 7.4s to 5.5s. But range falls to 382 miles. Top speed with both variants is 130mph. If you add in the optional Trailer coupling package, the 250+ can tow a braked weight of up to 1,500kg; with the 350 4MATIC, it'd be up to 2,000kgs. This towing package includes an ESP trailer stabilisation system that can automatically intervene in critical swaying situations.

Design and Build

The EV and combustion variants of this MK2 GLB share the same design, though their front ends are different. This EV version has an illuminated panel featuring 94 individual stars that light up in different patterns as you approach or leave the car. The petrol Hybrid has a conventional grille with a chrome star pattern and an illuminated frame. More important than all that is the increased size of this MK2 model - it's around 100mm longer than the old EQB thanks to the new MMA underpinning platform. Which helps give the car a more confident stance, emphasised by SUV body cladding. There's still the same bluff rear end though, with a full-width light bar that looks similar to that of another Daimler Group segment rival, the smart #5. The cabin is very different from that of the EQB and the entire dashboard can be covered by screens. All models get a 10.25-inch driver's instrument display and a big 14-inch central touchscreen. Opt for the optional 'Superscreen' layout and these monitors are also joined by a further 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The centre screen hosts the latest fourth generation MB.OS version of the brand's MBUX infotainment system. This now has Google Maps integrated directly into the navigation and an AI-powered virtual assistant. Passengers will notice a big difference too. Thanks to a 60mm wheelbase length increase over the old EQB, there's significantly more second row leg room and there's now 64mm more secondary head room too, even with the standard panoramic glass roof fitted (etched into which are 158 stars). As with the old EQB, all UK GLBs will be seven seaters and that wheelbase length increase makes it easier than you might expect to access the third row; and makes that area of the car relatively suitable for adults when you reach it, though as with the old EQB, the rearmost row remains primarily meant for kids. Adults will fit though if second row folk make use of their sliding bench base, which can move by up to 140mm. There's not much boot space with all three rows in place, but if you pull the tab to lower the third row, up to 480-litres of capacity can be freed up. With the second row folded, there's up to 1,605-litres. The figures are the same with the Hybrid and the EV, but EV also has a 127-litre under-bonnet 'frunk' (apparently enough for three footballs).

Market and Model

If you want the electric version of this MK2 GLB, prices start from around £46,000 and rise up to around £61,000. For reference, the alternative Hybrid version will require a starting budget just over the £40,000 mark. All GLB variants come with seven seats and there's a choice of five trim levels - 'Sport', 'Sport Executive', 'AMG Line Executive', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. With the EV, if you ignore the base two trim levels, you'll be offered the option of upgrading from the single motor 250+ powertrain to the twin motor 350 4MATIC powertrain for around £4,000 more. Mercedes can no longer afford spartan trim levels, even with base spec models. So even with entry 'Sport' trim, you get a panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED High Performance headlamps, power-folding mirrors and a Parking assist system. Plus a full suite of drive assists systems. Inside across the range, there's THERMATIC automatic climate control, ARTICO man-made leather upholstery and heated front seats. 'Sport Executive' spec adds larger 19-inch wheels, keyless entry and a wireless 'phone charger. 'AMG Line Executive' has AMG body styling, a sports steering wheel and sports seats; 'AMG Line Premium' has 20-inch wheels, Augmented Reality navigation, ambient lighting and the 'Superscreen' dash layout with its extra passenger-side display; 'AMG Line Premium Plus' adds a Burmester sound system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera with 'Transparent bonnet' feature.

Cost of Ownership

The GLB Electric has a powerful regen braking system that can provide up to 200kW of stopping power off-throttle, helping to keep the battery topped up. And the 4MATIC EV model retains impressive range because its additional front motor is decoupled from the front axle when it isn't needed, reducing energy losses to friction by 90%. At the right public charging station, the EV version of this second generation GLB can be DC rapid-charged at up to 320kW thanks to its adoption of an 800V electrical architecture. This enables 201 mile top up in just 10 minutes. And a full DC top-up in 22 minutes. As for AC charging at home, well if you've an 11kW three-phase supply, your GLB EV can be fully charged in 9 hours. That figure will rise to 13 hours 45 minutes if you've only a single-phase 7.4kW wallbox. For £850 more, Mercedes offers the option of a direct current charging system, which allows owners to charge the car with up to 100kW at compatible 400V fast-charging stations. With this, you can have what's called 'lossless charging' - which means you avoid losing energy when converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) in the form of heat and the battery can be charged with higher power.

Summary

As we said at the start, this is a very different kind of electric GLB. If you dismissed the brand's offering in this segment having been put off by the old EQB, you need to think again because there's a lot to like here - as there should be for the kind of money Mercedes is asking. We can't help but wonder though, whether right here, right now, the Hybrid version of this GLB might be a better all-round bet. We'd suggest you try both before deciding. But if for tax or ecological reasons, you need to plug in, and in the absence of the kind of Plug-in Hybrid powertrain that some rivals offer, it's this EV variant you'll need should you find yourself convinced by the second generation GLB proposition (and find yourself able to pay for it). We've now moved into a phase in the electric era where with some brands, the latest EVs really are credible alternatives to combustion. The impressive showing of this GLB Electric confirms that this is one of them.